While I personally oppose euthanasia, the two pro-euthanasia letters recently seem plausible enough for those who are suffering.
However, history has proven (e.g. Nazi Germany) that there is a very small step between legalising voluntary euthanasia and moving to the next step where we legalise euthanising those we assume are suffering or not enjoying a fulfilling life, people such as the seriously senile and the seriously mentally handicapped. Such people may cost money to care for, and may drain us emotionally, but we cannot prove they are not unhappy and wish to die.
The second assumption we make is that there is nothing after death, that we merely cease to exist. I realise we have no ‘scientific proof' of such life (and for myself and others, this is an area of faith).
Therefore, what right have we to take life when we may in fact be robbing someone of the time needed to prepare for eternity?
Ruth Linton, Papamoa.